Association Show News

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Oct 27, 2023
With a network of over 185 members across the U.S. and Canada, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) is preparing for a new era as Julie Kagy assumes the role of executive director, taking over from the retiring Larry Arnaudet, effective Jan. 1. Arnaudet, a veteran with more than five decades of experience in the meetings and conventions industry, will be stepping down from his role as executive director. His retirement marks the end of an illustrious career, characterized by his invaluable contributions to ESCA and his unwavering dedication to its mission. ESCA… more
Oct 25, 2023
Two leading trade shows dedicated to the utility construction and manufacturing industries pulled off successful, record-setting editions in Louisville, Ky. and Chicago recently.  The Utility Expo The Utility Expo recently returned to Louisville with a record-setting gathering of more than 21,000 utility construction professionals from the U.S. and 60 countries – smashing the show’s previous attendance record set in 2019. Held Sept. 26-28 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, the biennial event also broke size records, spanning 1.5 million square feet of space occupied by more than 900… more
Oct 24, 2023
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is gearing up to present its 90th UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas, and there are myriad offerings on tap for participants to look forward to. Not only will this largest annual gathering of global exhibition leaders take place in the U.S. for the first time, but it will also mark its first return to North America since 1972, when the event was held in Toronto.  Set for Nov. 1-4 at the ARIA Resort & Casino and hosted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the event will feature a bevy of high-value offerings,… more
Oct 19, 2023
Post-COVID, the majority (57%) of trade shows have been able to achieve 7% annual price increases for booth space, significantly greater than pre-pandemic price increases, according to new research by SmartXpo and Profisy. Further, the research reveals that strong exhibition event portfolios were able to match prices with inflation post-pandemic. In the U.S., the annual inflation rate was 7% in 2021 and 6.5% in 2022, according to the U.S. Labor Department. The good news: It continues to trend down. The annual inflation rate for the U.S. was 3.7% for the 12 months that ended in August,… more
Oct 17, 2023
Reflecting a rapidly growing industry projecting no sign of slowing down any time soon, Plant Based World Expo (PBW) North America returned to the Javits Center in New York City for its annual edition, held Sept. 7-8. This year’s PBW attracted 3,168 attendees, including an uptick in qualified retail and food service buyers compared to years prior and approximately 200 exhibiting companies showcasing hundreds of new plant-based food brands across 25,000 square feet of exhibit space. Touted as North America’s only 100% plant-based trade show and conference designed exclusively for food service… more
Oct 16, 2023
For the attendees and exhibitors of Toy Fair, North America’s largest trade show and conference for the $40 billion toy industry, there’s no place like its home in the Big Apple for more than a century. After The Toy Association announced on Oct. 1 that it was moving the Toy Fair from New York’s Javits Center to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center for three years starting in 2026, the association quickly reversed course when faced with overwhelming community outrage. The Toy Fair will stay in New York City in its traditional Q1 time frame, returning March 1-4, 2025, to the… more
Oct 09, 2023
After 35 years, the National Association of Consumer Shows (NACS) is closing its doors. Founded in 1988 for the advancement of the consumer show industry and to further the growth and professionalism of those involved in consumer show production, including show organizers, venues, decorators, advertising agencies and insurance companies, NACS focused on meeting the needs of its membership through advocacy, education and networking. According to NACS President Jacqui McGuinness, the somber decision to shutter the organization, recently made by its board of directors, followed extensive… more
Oct 03, 2023
Following the global shutdown of the exhibition industry due to the COVID pandemic, 19 of the world’s largest exhibitions markets are experiencing a robust recovery and are poised to surpass their 2019 size by 7% by 2024, according to the latest projections from Globex 2023, the exhibition industry’s annual report published by Stax. Now in its 15th edition, Globex – the global exhibition organizing market: assessment and forecast to 2025 – analyzed 19 markets, including the U.S., China, U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Hong Kong, Turkey, Mexico, India… more
Oct 02, 2023
Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, PACK EXPO Las Vegas posted a record-breaking turnout, with nearly 32,000 attendees converging on the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) Sept. 11-13. Attendees engaged with more than 2,300 exhibitors spread across a sprawling 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.  As the packaging and processing industry experiences steady growth, this edition earned the distinction of being the biggest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in history. The industry grew 3.4%, resulting in a market size of $10.2 billion in the U.S., according to… more
Sep 27, 2023
On Sept. 26, members of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165 voted 95% in favor of authorizing a citywide strike at 22 casino resorts properties on the Las Vegas Strip, operated by the three of the largest gaming employers: MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and Wynn and Encore Las Vegas.   The strike authorization attracted tens of thousands of hospitality workers, who packed in two sessions to cast their votes at the Thomas and Mack Center at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. According to union officials, 53,000 Las Vegas workers were eligible… more
Partner Voices
  MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.  At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:  Protecting Natural Resources  MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.  Committed to Community  Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.  MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.   Fostering Diversity & Inclusion  To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.  MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.